5 Best New Year’s Resolutions to Make the Most of 2021

he best new year’s resolutions are the ones we not only work on everyday, but the ones that work to make us a better version of ourselves. Last year has been a whirlwind for many of us, and while some continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones as we enter the new year, we all can share in looking forward to a better beginning of an uncertain yet hopeful 2021. Here are five resolutions we believe can help you create a positive and memorable year.

Reduce Stress

Although this may be a challenge for many of us, stress can render you ineffective even if your distress is work-related. Normal stress levels keep you alert and ready to avoid dangerous situation but when too much tension builds and you become overworked, it can lead to a number of physical symptoms like headaches, chest pains, sleeping problems or even play a role in other conditions like diabetes, asthma, depression and anxiety, to name a few. According to a WebMD article reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Robinson on the effects of stress on your body, 70 to 90 per cent of doctor’s visits are stress-related ailments while 43 per cent of all adults suffer from difficult health effects due to stress. 

Making slow and comfortable changes to how your day looks is always a good place to start when trying to reduce the amount of stress that comes from work. Including a morning or evening exercise session into your routine, reducing your caffeine intake, spending time with friends and family, and taking short breaks in between your busy schedules can turn an exhaustive and demanding work life into a productive and energetic lifestyle you can look forward to everyday.

Keep Your Peace of Mind

The pandemic has brought us distress, turmoil and fear, to name a few. But the same adversity also gave us gratitude, grace, acceptance, more time with our families, whether it be virtually or in person, and more love to go around. For some of us, our friends and family played a big part in getting us through these tough times while for others, it could have been a peace of mind. If calming an anxious mind is a challenge you face everyday, some of our staff either swear by these book recommendations or encourage you to give it a shot as it has opened their minds to a new way of looking at some of their day-to-day challenges. 

• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle 
• Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks by Barry McDonagh
• The Anxiety Toolkit by Alice Boyes

Improve Your Concentration and Mental Abilities

Make it a challenge for yourself this year to improve your focus and learning capabilities. In a time when many of us are managing multiple roles and responsibilities while taking the time to gain more insight and skills in this ever-changing and fast-paced environment, a healthy state of mind can help you cope with the modern day challenges that are not going away anytime soon. Improving your sleeping behaviours and some physical and mental exercises are some ways that can help you improve your concentration and mental abilities. 

Gain the Confidence You Deserve

Focus on yourself this year and gain the confidence that is rightfully yours. When you are confident, people notice. Confidence can help you close that business deal you have been too anxious about, make new friends and just embrace a version of yourself that is ready to tackle any challenge thrown your way. There are so many ways you can gain confidence, and it is up to you to decide how you want to go about the business of doing that. Lifehack has released 51 Proven Ways to Build Self-Confidence by confidence coach, Steve Errey. You read that right! So, go ahead and start reading. 

Invest in Yourself 

At the end of the day, every effort you make to improve yourself will improve your outcome, whether it be your work performance, your quality of life or even how you interact with others around you. Despite our list leading to articles and lists of tips you can do to help improve yourself this year, the truth is some of them will work and others may not. We have all gone through different experiences and can take different steps in this journey of self-improvement.  It is important for you to take time for yourself, reflect and understand how you would like to move forward this year. 

For more helpful tips and tricks to help you in the new year, visit our blog to discover more ways to cope with the challenges brought by the pandemic, whether you are a student or a working professional.